Nearly eight-in-10 (78%) drivers would unknowingly put themselves in danger after breaking down on the motorway and stopping on the hard shoulder, according to RAC research.
Only a fifth (22%) of the 1,900 drivers surveyed would do the right thing after breaking down on one of the UK’s fastest roads on a cold and wet winter’s night by standing to the rear of their vehicle and as far as possible from traffic, ideally behind a barrier if there was one. Frighteningly, one-in-10 (11%) said they would stay in their vehicle, leaving them at great risk of being seriously injured or killed if another vehicle were to hit them.
Two-thirds (65%) would also unwittingly put themselves at risk by standing either in front of or next to their car, where they could be hit in the event of another driver colliding with their broken-down vehicle.
Shockingly, the analysis corresponds with reports from nearly 200 RAC patrols, who found 78% of drivers they have attended who had broken down on motorways were still in their vehicles when they arrived.
In an effort to keep RAC members and all drivers safe after breaking down on a motorway, RAC patrols Glen Johnson and James Pallister came up with the idea of making a video highlighting exactly how people should get out of their vehicles and where they should stand. The film is shared with all RAC members who are unfortunate enough to break down on a motorway and is also available for everyone to benefit from on YouTube.
What to do if you break down on a motorway
- Pull over on the hard shoulder if there is one
- Turn on your hazard lights and sidelights
- Turn on rear fog lights too if the visibility is poor and you can’t see over 100 metres
- Get out of your vehicle if it’s safe using the doors furthest from traffic. Wear bright or high vis clothes if you have any
- If there’s a safety barrier, wait behind it to the rear of your vehicle. Watch out for potholes and steep drops
- If there’s no safety barrier, stand to the rear of your vehicle far away from traffic
- Keep your eyes on the traffic at all times
- Keep calm and stay where you are until the patrol arrives
If the driver or passengers have a disability
- Stay inside the vehicle with your seatbelt on
- If possible, move everybody to the passenger side of the vehicle
- Call 999 to make them aware
- Keep calm and stay where you are until the patrol arrives
RAC motorway fault data highlighted flat tyres, punctures and engine issues as the main cause of breakdowns in 2023.
Members and non-members can call the RAC on 0333 2000 999 or use the free myRAC app to get instant breakdown support. By reporting a breakdown via the app, drivers will receive a confirmation text and regular updates on their patrol’s arrival time.
